This is a well organized list for the homeowner who wants to get ahead of the game. They just need to keep in mind, the inspector will find something.

A checklist of things a Seller can dobefore the home inspector arrives

Doing as much as possible before the Buyer's property inspection helps ensure that escrow goes more smoothly. Following is my "checklist" of items often found during the course of a property inspection that a Seller could do or could easily hire a general handyperson to do.

OUTSIDE

Check that doorbells work.

Check for missing roof shingles.

Check for loose/damaged/clogged gutters/downspouts.

Check attic ventilation and condition of vent screens.

Check to see if there is standing water, especially near the foundation, after irrigation or rainfall.

Check for loose glass panes in windows and doors, as well as glass with holes or cracks in them.

Check that latches/locks work on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows.

Check for damage to screen windows.

Remove excessive storage (closets, attic, garage).

Check for damage to walls and ceilings that need to be patched and painted.

Check for moisture stains on ceilings and walls; around doors and windows; near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers; and near the dishwasher.

Check for loose, missing, or damaged guardrails and handrails in stairways.

Check for loose, broken or missing baseboards and door and window moldings.

Check for cracked tiles or deteriorated grouting in kitchen and bathrooms.

Check that kitchen appliances work.

Check that an anti-tip device is installed on the range.

MISCELLANEOUS

Let dogs and cats vacation for a few hours with a family member, friend, or at a pet spa. Check that other pets (birds, snakes, rodents, etc.) are caged.

Certain items should be inspected annually due to their inherently dangerous nature. These include gas-using appliances, pool/spa equipment, roof, and the fireplace and chimney. If they have not been inspected within the last 12 months, having it done now can make escrow go more smoothly.

Check that filters are in place and clean (kitchen range hood, heating/cooling, bathroom fans, etc.).

Check for soot, cobwebs, and wildlife in the fireplace and lower areas of the chimney.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that the fireplace and chimney undergo a Level II inspection any time real estate ownership is transferred, and I recommend having that done prior to the Buyer's inspection.

Check that the fireplace damper opens/closes easily.

Check for manufacturer installation guides, operating instructions, or user guides that you can provide to the buyer, especially for kitchen appliances; heating and cooling system; water heater; security, irrigation, fire suppression, central cleaning, and water modification systems; water well; and septic system.

Many property inspectors exclude inspection and testing of some specialized systems, such as security and irrigation systems. Once you get the Buyer's inspection report, note what the Inspector did and did not do or could and could not do. Offer to meet with the Buyer to demonstrate how those systems are operated and maintained, and provide the contact information for any companies that regularly service the systems.

Check for receipts and warranty papers for any work done on the property, particularly for inspections and work done to prepare the property for sale.

Readers should feel free to reblog this or even to copy it, reformat it, and print it to use in your own businesses. It's always been one of my most useful flyers.

Now accepting referrals.**Not meant as a solicitation to individuals already working with a Professional Real Estate Agent.**

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. The Raleigh - Cary Home Reviews Blog, Keller Williams and Carla Freund does not guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Entries on Raleigh - Cary Home Reviews represent the opinions and ideas of the author(s). Raleigh - Cary Home Reviews Blog does not express the views of Keller Williams, or those of the broker.

How can International Buyer Find Homes in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill and Triangle Areas?

International Real Estate Search Translated into other Languages and Currencies: